Receiving an allergy test is the first step toward understanding and managing your body’s unique reactions to substances in your environment. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom, or pet dander — or a food that does not cause a reaction in most people. This reaction can lead to a range of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 100 million people in the U.S. experience various types of allergies each year, making it the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. Understanding the most common allergies is crucial for recognizing symptoms and seeking proper care.
Here is a brief summary of what you will learn in this post:
- Common culprits: Food, pollen, pets, and insects are among the most frequent allergy triggers in the United States.
- Testing is key: Allergy testing is a reliable method to pinpoint the specific substances causing your symptoms.
- Effective management: Identifying your allergens allows for personalized treatment plans to help you manage your condition.
What Are the Most Common Allergies in the U.S.?
Millions of Americans deal with allergies daily. While the specific triggers can vary widely from person to person, several categories of allergens are particularly widespread across the country.
Food Allergies
Food allergies affect an estimated 32 million Americans, including millions of children. An allergic reaction to food can range from mild itching to a severe, life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. The most common food allergens include:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (such as walnuts and almonds)
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
Seasonal Allergies
Often called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies are typically caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. These tiny grains are released into the air to fertilize other plants.
When people with seasonal allergies inhale this pollen, their immune system overreacts, causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
Pet Allergies
Allergies to pets with fur are common, primarily caused by exposure to dander, which are dead skin cells, as well as saliva and urine. While any furry animal can trigger a reaction, cats and dogs are the most common sources of pet allergies.
Symptoms can appear within minutes or take hours to develop after contact.
Other Common Allergens
Beyond food, pollen, and pets, many other substances can trigger allergic reactions. These include:
- Insect stings: Reactions to bees, wasps, and fire ants can be severe.
- Mold: Spores from mold can be found indoors and outdoors.
- Dust mites: These microscopic creatures live in bedding, furniture, and carpets.
- Medications: Penicillin and aspirin are common culprits of drug allergies.
- Latex: Found in items like gloves and balloons, latex can cause skin and respiratory reactions.
Why is Allergy Testing Important?
If you experience persistent symptoms like sneezing, rashes, or digestive issues, allergy testing can provide definitive answers. Identifying your specific triggers is the most important step in creating an effective management plan. Guesswork can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions or the avoidance of activities you enjoy.
Accurate diagnosis through allergy testing allows your doctor to recommend targeted treatments. This could include lifestyle changes, medications like antihistamines, or immunotherapy.
What Types of Allergy Testing Are Available?
Internal medicine doctors use several methods to test for allergies, depending on the suspected trigger and your symptoms. Each allergy testing method is designed to safely identify what is causing your immune system to react.
Skin Prick Test
This is the most common type of allergy testing. A doctor places a small drop of a potential allergen on your skin, then lightly pricks the area. If you are allergic, a small, raised, red spot, similar to a mosquito bite, will appear.
Blood Test
A blood test, or specific IgE test, measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream. This method is often used if skin tests are not possible due to a skin condition or certain medications.
Finding a trusted internal medicine practice that offers blood testing is a convenient option.
Patch Test
This test is used to identify contact dermatitis, an allergy caused by something touching your skin. Allergens are applied to patches, which are then placed on your skin for 48 hours to check for a reaction.
How Can You Manage Your Allergies?
Once allergy testing identifies your triggers, you can take steps to manage your condition. The primary strategy is avoidance. This might mean making changes to your diet, using air purifiers, or keeping pets out of the bedroom.
Medications can also help control symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids are commonly used to relieve sneezing, congestion, and itching.
For severe allergies, a doctor might recommend immunotherapy, which involves a series of allergy shots or under-the-tongue tablets to help your body get used to the allergen.
Allergy Testing in Irmo, SC
Living with allergies can be challenging, but you do not have to manage it alone. At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, we are dedicated to helping our patients find relief through accurate allergy testing and personalized care. Our team of experienced providers is here to help you identify your triggers and develop a plan to improve your quality of life.
Contact us today at (803) 749-1111 or request an appointment online to learn more about our allergy testing services and schedule your consultation.
